Exploring the evolution of insurance exchanges: We are all connected

Today’s blog marks day 3 of Deltek’s health care and social services team’s blog series centered on our recently-released report, “Evolving Health Insurance Exchanges.” The report provides an in-depth analysis of states and their steps toward implementing these one-stop shops. It also provides high-level recommendations for vendors trying to get ahead in the game.

With all of the hubbub surrounding the implementation of health insurances exchanges (HIXs), it is easy for the everyday citizen to forget that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) isn’t just about the creation of exchanges as a single, stand-alone system. Though it may seem a simple task to assemble an “Expedia-type” consumer experience that blends private insurance and Medicaid, states have an enormous undertaking ahead of them in integrating the back-end processes that will feed into the HIXs.

Think back to when you’ve tried to download a report or image that is not compatible with your current software. Frustrating, isn’t it? Now, think about the current health care and social services IT environment in the states. Eligibility for Medicaid is housed on a different IT platform than Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which may be housed on a different platform than eligibility for child care, which is housed on a different platform than child support … you get the picture.